In a message to Soroptimists and supporters for
International Day of Peace on 21st September, International
President Ann Garvie has urged Soroptimists to promote peace and tolerance in
their communities, while influencing decision-makers worldwide to end conflict and
violence.
Read President Ann’s full message below.
PEACE…
“It does not mean to
be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in
the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”
13 years ago the United Nations recognised September 21st
as International Peace Day, a day of non-violence and cease-fire.
10 years ago as SIGBI Federation President I chose as the
theme for the 70th Federation Conference “PEACE & TOLERANCE: The roots are in your community, the
opportunities in our hands”
The theme reflected the many difficulties facing us and
threatening the very existence of our fellow human beings worldwide. The
challenge was to promote peace and tolerance in our local communities while
influencing decision-makers worldwide to cease the unnecessary misery affecting
innocent women and children.
Sadly today the lack of peace and tolerance within civil
society is destroying communities in too many parts of the globe. Extremism is
a scourge upon civil society and Soroptimist globally must endeavour to
influence the acceptance of tolerance within their communities and beyond.
The elimination of hatred, loneliness, war, conflict,
injustice, poverty, ignorance, prejudice, genocide and crime must be an
ambition of every member of Soroptimist International, otherwise the world
which we leave behind will not be a credit to us and we will have failed the
generations to come.
Many Clubs have embraced projects which focus on the
elimination of hatred and the promotion of peace. However, as Soroptimists we
have to accept that in today’s world the desire to seek peace could never be of
greater significance. 80% of children in Syria no longer attend school, what
are their chances in life without an EDUCATION?
Also as Soroptimist we must look inwardly and reflect, why
members occasionally leave our organisation citing that the members of a Club
failed to demonstrate respect, tolerance or friendship. The lack of such
qualities result in strife within the Club and factions working against each
other. This is unacceptable and cannot nor should not be tolerated.
On International Day of Peace, I urge all Soroptimists, at
all levels of the organisation to stretch out their hand of friendship and
bring about reconciliation, internally and externally.
The Mayo Peace Park, located in Castlebar, Republic of
Ireland was officially opened in October 2008 by the then President of Ireland
Mary McAlesse. The park honours local soldiers who were killed in the two world
wars, members of the Irish Defences Forces and An Garda Siochana, who lost
their lives in the line of duty. It is a quiet place of reflection for the
families and descendants.
As International President, I had the privilege in May 2014;
to unveil a peace plaque accompanied by the President the National Association
of the Republic of Ireland Noreen Walsh, the Region President of Northern
Ireland Irene Miskimmon and the Club President of Castlebar Anne Collins, in
the Mayo Peace Park, a poignant moment for thought and reflection.
At the ceremony the Soroptimist Peace Pledge was read:
We are women standing
for women. We come from many lands; we are different colours, creeds and race
and together we celebrate diversity. We are united in our purpose to bring a
message of peace to the women of the world.
Our declaration is
tied with a blue ribbon, a symbol of the bond of friendship that binds us
together as members of Soroptimist International, reminding us that our
membership brings the responsibility to preserve freedoms and to be
peacemakers. We hope for a world where tolerance, reconciliation, cooperation
and partnership are realities.
- We pledge to work for
a world where - The human rights
of all people are respected - Equal
opportunities are available to women who are disadvantaged through their
gender, poor health or social exclusion - Education is
accessible for all girls - Poverty and
disease are conquered - All peoples enjoy
safe and healthy environments - We contribute to
the peace and prosperity of humankind by nurturing a spirit of peace, encourage
peace education and support a culture of peace
PEACE IS OUR UNIFYING
PURPOSE
Ann Garvie
Soroptimist International President 2013-2015
September 2014
Read more about International Peace Day and Soroptimist action for peace
and tolerance.
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